KATHLEEN CROWSTON

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• I first met Kay as a fledgling teacher at Somerset School in 1967. Being new and nervous, she seemed to take me and two other new teachers under her wing becoming a wealth of information for us all. She always showed an interest in my marriage and eventually in my children. When I later moved out to Vancouver Island, we always kept in touch by phone, cards and even visits. She always claimed I made the best egg salad sandwiches and there was no telling whether she was joking or downright serious...such was the character of Kay whom I shall miss . - Posted by: Liz Rampton(nee Kiernicki) (co worker) on: Jun 18, 2017

• Excellent teacher and a great co-worker . - Posted by: Thelma Burtnick (co-worker) on: Mar 14, 2015

• Kay and I first met when she joined the staff at Victoria-Albert School in 1984. It was not long after she settled in with her new students that she began to form many friendships with several of the staff. Being one of the newer teachers, I was grateful for Kay who was always there to mentor and share her expertise. After I married and moved away and Kay retired after long and fulfilling career, our friendship continued. During these years, we wrote letters, talked on the phone and got together for lunch when I would be "home" for a visit. She always kept me up to date with news of her travels, activities and former Victoria-Albert colleagues. Kay was also interested in knowing how my daughters were doing as they were growing up. Being the kind and generous person she was, cards and little packages would often arrive by mail for them with gifts such as books and stickers. They are now both young women who remember Kay with fondness. In one of the books that Kay had sent she wrote: "True friends are like rare diamonds and false friends are like autumn leaves scattered." Kay Crowston was a real gem and I shall miss her. Rest peacefully my dear friend. - Posted by: Linda (Davies) Kreker (friend and former colleague) on: Mar 12, 2015

• During the 1948-1949 school year, Miss Crowston taught a multi-graded class at John G Glassco School in Pointe du Bois. As I recall, it was her first year of teaching and her qualifications comprised, at most, either a Grade 12 diploma and a Minister's permit, or a Grade 12 diploma and one year of teachers' college. Even under ideal conditions, this would have been an unimaginably daunting task for a teenager, such as she was at the time. However, the circumstances were not ideal, as the class contained some youngsters who might, by today's standards, have been deemed to be Level 3 Special Needs. (To this day, as I look at my class's group-picture from that year, I marvel at the range of needs that those children presented, and I marvel even more at Miss Crowston's fortitude.) Many new teachers might have buckled under the strain, and they might have departed (from Pointe du Bois and from the teaching profession) at Christmas or earlier. To her eternal credit, Miss Crowston lasted the entire year, head held high and composure mostly intact, and only then decamped to an obviously successful teaching career in Winnipeg. She taught me the "three Rs" very well, indeed, but it was her personal example that was the most enduring legacy. - Posted by: Keith Bricknell (Former Student - 1948-1949) on: Mar 11, 2015

• I can't really say too much as I really haven't seen Kay in about 45 years. Everyone who visited or talked on the phone to her always had great things to say. It is always when someone passes but it brings even more emotion and reflection when they are the last of a generation in your family. My love and best wishes go out to all the family. - Posted by: Neil Webster (Nephew) on: Mar 11, 2015

• Although I hadn't seen Aunt Kay for many years, I remember awaiting her arrival home from work when I was maybe five years old. I went outside of 8 Morier to watch her get off the bus on St. Marys Road and walk boldy through rush hour traffic stopping only briefly on the centre line to let the cars whizz by her on both sides. When she got near the house I said, "You're brave Aunt Kay". She replied that it was no big deal and, saying it like it was the truth, "They are not got to run over me". I didn't know her very well but as I got older and heard of her travels, I knew, just like crossing that busy street, she plotted her own course through life and did things her own way. - Posted by: Chuck Webster (Nephew) on: Mar 11, 2015

• Miss Crowston was not only a teacher but a mentor and friend. For years after having her as my grade 3 teacher at Clifton School we kept in contact through letters. She was an inspiration. She had such a huge heart and truly wanted to make a difference. I am a better person for knowing her. - Posted by: sheila (hilton) babineau (former student) on: Mar 11, 2015